SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Another lifeguard has died while on duty at the Jersey Shore. He is the second in less than two weeks.
Police say 19-year-old Keith Pinto has died after a lightning strike on the beach at Seaside Park.
Seven other people were injured in that strike, including three lifeguards.
"It was almost like a bomb went off," said Vince Ruffolo, a visitor from Wisconsin who saw it happen.
"One of our colleagues sees this young man fall off the chair, the lifeguard chair. There were people in the area trying to work on him."
Pinto's friend Abby Spurling says she is in a state of disbelief.
"It doesn’t feel real," she said. "He was just an awesome person all around. I’m speechless."
Berkeley Township police say this lightning strike happened at about 4:30 p.m. Monday at the 21st Avenue Beach in South Seaside Park.
The other victims' injuries were not life-threatening, and they were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato said this death is tragic and heartbreaking for the town and the entire Jersey Shore.
Amato also said there will be no swimming at beaches in town Tuesday through Thursday this week because lifeguards and beach staff will be off duty.
On Aug. 19, 16-year-old Norman Inferrara died when his boat was hit by a wave, and he was knocked unconscious before falling into the water in Cape May.